B2Gold continues workforce downsizing at Otjikoto mine

B2Gold has confirmed it will proceed with further workforce reductions at its Otjikoto mine, involving involuntary separations. This decision follows a comprehensive review by a dedicated retrenchment committee, in collaboration with the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) branch executive committee on site.

Eric Barnard, General Manager of Otjikoto Mine, detailed the process, saying, “We have a retrenchment committee that evaluated the necessary reductions across various departments. This effort was not conducted in isolation but in partnership with the workforce and the company, under the retrenchment policy established last year.”

Barnard noted that the process, although challenging, was conducted professionally and collaboratively. “The process was smooth considering it was our first time implementing such a policy,” he said. However, Barnard was unable to disclose specific numbers regarding the affected employees, citing the need for individual notifications before releasing details.

The company aims to ensure a transparent and fair transition for those impacted by the reductions.